Patrolman Dennis Jerome Roberts, 32, was shot and killed on March 20, 1981, while working an off-duty security job at a downtown Newport News, Virginia, department store near 29th Street and Washington Avenue. A Newport News Police Department officer for nearly 11 years and a U.S. Army veteran who served as a medic in Vietnam, Roberts and a store employee had followed a man they suspected of shoplifting a small piece of luggage. During a struggle after bringing the suspect back inside, the man produced a gun and shot Roberts at least twice. Roberts was taken to Whitaker Hospital and died about 90 minutes later.

The assailant escaped initially, prompting a community outcry and a substantial reward for information leading to capture and conviction. Nearly a year later the same suspect returned to that department store and became involved in a confrontation that ended in a shootout with officers. The suspect was shot and killed in that exchange, and another officer was seriously wounded.

Anyone who knew Patrolman Roberts, witnessed the original incident, or has information about either encounter is urged to come forward.